Pocock exits Brumbies after ending Super Rugby career

David Pocock’s career with the Brumbies is over after confirming his Super Rugby retirement, though the Wallabies flanker is not sure if he will continue to make himself available for Australia following the Rugby World Cup.

A “rare” calf strain has sidelined Pocock for most of the Super Rugby season and the 31-year-old star will not be available in the “immediate future” as he eyes September’s World Cup in Japan.

Pocock – who has played just three games in 2019 – will not seek another Brumbies contract at the end of the campaign, with the former Australia captain setting his sights on being fit for the World Cup.

After 112 Super Rugby appearances and 19 tries, Pocock will link up with Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan following the World Cup.

“The Brumbies have given me a home for the last seven years. They’ve supported me through injury and given me the opportunity to work on my game and my leadership as part of an incredible group of men,” said Pocock, who arrived from Western Force in 2013. “After 13 years of professional rugby, I’m looking forward to the challenges the rest of this year holds and also thinking about what comes next.

“The Brumbies and all supporters have been very good to me since my move to Canberra in 2013. I am grateful for their support. Over the last seven-years Canberra has well and truly become my home. Em and I love living here and being part of the community.”

Plus500 Brumbies flanker David Pocock has confirmed he will not be seeking a further contract with the club at the end of the 2019 season.

Click below for more details.#BrumbiesFamilyhttps://t.co/bILNNMpIq9

— Plus500 Brumbies (@BrumbiesRugby) May 27, 2019

With just three matches remaining in the Super Rugby season, 77-time Australia international Pocock is doing all he can to be ready for the Wallabies’ World Cup bid.

“You’ve got great support staff, medical staff, rehab staff and you’re doing everything you can,” Pocock told reporters on Tuesday. “You’re obviously aiming for that and that’s driving you and to pull on the Wallabies jersey again is obviously my goal.

“It’s a huge honour and something that I love doing, so I’ll be doing everything I can to get myself right and to get in the best shape I can.

“We’ll certainly get it right. I’ll be based here in Canberra for my rehab and working with doctor/physio Ben Serpell, who I’ve spent far too much time, than I’d like, with over the years. Rehab is usually busier than playing, it’s a bit of a grind.”

Despite his Super Rugby career coming to an end, Pocock will remain eligible for Wallabies selection via the 60-cap rule. However, he does not know what his international future holds post-World Cup.

“I’m not sure, I honestly haven’t thought beyond there,” Pocock said. “Playing for Australia is such an honour. It’s something I’ll look at down the track but at this stage, the goal is to get back in that jersey and contribute leading up to the World Cup.”

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